The Aper Aku auditorium of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi was on Wednesday, 19th February, 2020 filed to capacity as parents and guardians, students, university community and the general public gathered to witness the 11th oath taking ceremony of the college of veterinary medicine of the university.

Dr Makail Audu, general manager of Hybrid feeds limited who was the keynote speaker at the event, admonished the graduands to think outside the box and work out ways for self reliance. While speaking on the topic, Entrepreneurship: A key to flourishing economy and self reliance, Dr Audu stated that the livestock industry in the country is fast expanding with new opportunities springing up daily. He called on young veterinarians to take advantage of the situation to meet needs and make gains. “We are in an era where each of us have to make efforts towards contributing our quota to the growth of the Nigerian economy as we seek self reliance”

Earlier in his address, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Daniel Vershima Uza admonished the young veterinarians to embrace entrepreneurship as it is the only way to grow the Nigerian economy and be self reliant. The former vice chancellor and professor of small ruminants production challenged the graduands to develop a stronger quest for knowledge and skills that are needed to succeed in entrepreneurship.

In his address, the vice chancellor of the university, professor. Richard Anande Kimbir reiterated his resolve to providing an enabling environment for students of the college to study and not just come out with good grades but requisite knowledge and skills that will make them globally competitive. The vice chancellor emphasized his administrations readiness to providing the needed infrastructure and manpower that will bring about an increment in the intake of students into the college.

The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of Vet-connect, an online application that is meant to connect veterinarians and input suppliers with livestock owners. While giving a brief description of the project, the team leader, Dr Terese Akpem expressed his gratitude to all those that contributed in bringing the project to reality and called on all players in the industry to support the project. The President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Professor Bello Agaie commended the efforts of the team and encouraged them not to give up in bringing up innovations that will better the profession.

The college of veterinary medicine of the university was established in 1999 with 12 pioneer students and has so far turned out over 200 doctors of veterinary medicine that are into different spheres of the livestock industry and beyond.